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New York's Finger Lakes region is home to world-class vineyards, restaurants, museums and historic sites. The area also is a playground for outdoors enthusiasts who can bike, kayak, canoe or hike through woodlands. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend or intending to explore with friends, the recreational activities will appeal to all of your senses.

Wine Tours

Several companies offer wine tours along the Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lake Wine Trails. Finger Lakes Winery Tours offers guided a guided tour through each trail in their bio-diesel vans. The Wine Tour Trolley is the region's only jump-on wine trolley. Trolleys run along Cayuga and Seneca Lake Wine Trails and have designated pick-up times for each stop. There are five stops on each trail, and the tour lasts six hours, including a lunch stop.

Seneca State Park

On the north side of Seneca Lake, you can boat, swim or fish in Seneca Lake State Park. Wander down nature trails, bike down paths and picnic at one of the many picnic areas overlooking the lake. The sprayground is a popular attraction in summer for kids. This playground has 100 water jets the spray randomly as kids run around either searching for or avoiding the sprays. In winter, you can go ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Historic Sites and Museums

History buffs could spend an entire vacation visiting the region's historical sites and still run out of time before seeing them all. Start at the homes of famous politicians, industrialists and suffragists such as William E. Seward's mansion in Auburn and the nine themed gardens and arboretum at the Sonnenburg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. The head to Susan B. Anthony's home in Rochester and Gideon Granger's Homestead and Carriage House with more than 40 vehicles. Bring kids to the location of Clara Barton's first Red Cross chapter or learn about American Indian history at Ganondagan State Historic Park.

Dining

The region is home to hundreds of casual and fine dining establishments serving local seasonal ingredients with regional wines. Emelie's (emiliesrestaurant.net) in Geneva is a family owned and operated restaurant serving Italian and American cuisine for decades. Entrees include steaks, pasta, a salad bar and full kids menu. For couples and families, Captain Bill's Lake Cruises (senecaharborstation.com) from Seneca Harbor Station is a 10-mile scenic sail offering lunch or dinner and cocktails. The menu includes chowders, steamed clams, grilled pizza, salad and sautéed vegetables.

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About the Author

Aurora LaJambre is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn, N.Y. For over five years she's covered topics in culture, lifestyle, travel, DIY design and green living for print and online media. Her publication credits include "WOW Women on Writing," "Six States" and Catalogs.com. She graduated from New York University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in creative writing.